If your old dog has red eyes and isn’t eating, it could be a sign of pain, infection, or something more serious. While eye irritation may seem minor, when paired with appetite loss, it warrants close attention.
We outline the common causes of old dog has red eyes and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Old Dog Has Red Eyes and Not Eating — Why It Happens
Red eyes and not eating in senior dogs often point to pain, inflammation, or infection that may not be isolated to the eyes.
Eye problems can cause discomfort that reduces appetite, or both symptoms may stem from a systemic illness. In older dogs, symptoms often overlap and progress quickly, making early detection key.
Common Causes of Old Dog Has Red Eyes and Not Eating
Eye Infection or Conjunctivitis
Bacterial or viral infections can cause inflammation of the eye membranes. The result is redness, discharge, and squinting.
If the discomfort is intense, your dog may refuse food and become withdrawn. You might also notice pawing at the eye or keeping it closed.
Older dogs may heal more slowly, so prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up inside the eye, leading to redness, pain, and vision loss.
Your dog may seem confused, bump into things, or avoid eating due to discomfort. One or both eyes may appear cloudy or swollen.
This is an emergency—glaucoma can cause permanent damage in hours without treatment.
Read more: Old Dog Being Sick and Not Eating (Pain or illness might be to blame)
Corneal Ulcers
Scratches or trauma to the eye’s surface can lead to corneal ulcers. These are intensely painful and cause redness, tearing, and blinking.
Pain can make your dog hesitant to eat or interact. A cloudy appearance or visible injury may be present.
Corneal ulcers require immediate veterinary care to avoid long-term vision damage.
Systemic Illness
Some conditions like high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, or infections can affect both the eyes and appetite.
You might see symptoms like red eyes, lethargy, and refusal to eat or drink. In some cases, other organs may be involved.
Systemic issues in older dogs are often complex and require a thorough exam.
Dental Pain
Though not directly related to the eyes, dental disease can cause facial swelling that affects nearby tissues, including the eyes.
Your dog may have red or swollen eyes, bad breath, and a reluctance to eat. Drooling and chewing on one side are also common.
Dental problems in older dogs can cause cascading health issues if left untreated.
Eye Tumors
Masses in or around the eye can cause redness, discomfort, and visible swelling.
If your dog is also not eating, the tumor may be causing pain or interfering with normal behavior. These may progress slowly or rapidly.
Early detection improves the chance of preserving eye function and comfort.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Old, Has Red Eyes and Not Eating
Keep your dog calm and indoors, away from bright lights and wind. Use artificial tears or saline if advised by your vet to soothe irritation.
Avoid touching or rubbing the eye area. Check for other signs like swelling, discharge, or cloudy appearance.
Offer soft, bland food like chicken and rice to see if your dog will eat. Warm food may help entice them.
Monitor for signs of worsening—such as squinting, pawing, or new symptoms like vomiting or lethargy.
Do not use human eye drops or medications unless prescribed by your vet.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should seek veterinary help if your old dog:
Has red eyes with discharge or swelling
Keeps one or both eyes shut
Shows signs of vision loss or bumping into objects
Hasn’t eaten in over 24 hours
Seems in pain, confused, or withdrawn
Red eyes in older dogs are often more than surface irritation. When combined with appetite loss, they may signal deeper health concerns.
Your vet may perform an eye exam, pressure test, or full blood panel to identify the root cause.
Read more: Old Dog Diarrhea and Not Eating (Here’s when to worry)
Key Takeaway
If your old dog has red eyes and isn’t eating, take it seriously. These symptoms could mean eye trauma, infection, or an underlying illness.
Comfort your dog, limit eye strain, and get professional care promptly. In senior pets, quick treatment can prevent lasting damage and ensure their continued well-being.